Written by Ed Suzuki, Program Manager of MCC’s Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF)
PDAC 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary! As the world’s foremost mining and exploration event, the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference held in Toronto once again served as a dazzling showcase of innovation, energy, and global collaboration in this vital industry. For the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), attending PDAC wasn’t just another event – it was a powerful opportunity to spotlight Manitoba’s boundless potential, supercharge connections, and champion the incredible growth of our province’s mining sector.
Amplifying Manitoba’s Voice on the Global Stage
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is passionate about driving economic growth throughout the province. I attended PDAC this week along with MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson, who is also Chair of the MMDF Board of Directors, and Elisabeth Saftiuk, Vice-President, Policy & Government Relations. The conference provided us with the perfect platform to:
- Shine a light on Manitoba’s immense mineral wealth and investment potential.
- Forge deeper connections with key industry leaders and policymakers.
- Promote the (MMDF) as a model of innovation, sustainability, and mining excellence.
Mining is a cornerstone of Manitoba’s economy, and PDAC gave us the chance to elevate our province as a premier destination for exploration and resource development.
Why PDAC Matters
PDAC is the ultimate event for building partnerships and sparking collaboration, and this year we went all-in! From meeting with MMDF clients past and present, to forging ties with industry leaders like Callinex, Canadian Gold, and QB Drilling, we made invaluable strides in strengthening relationships and uncovering new opportunities.
One of the highlights was reconnecting with our Indigenous partners, including Norway House Cree Nation, to gain crucial updates on their projects and concerns. These meaningful discussions reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and collaboration in Manitoba’s resource development efforts.
Throughout the conference, we immersed ourselves in the latest breakthroughs shaping the industry, from cutting-edge AI in core data sampling to sustainability-driven innovations. Each moment was an inspiring reminder of what’s possible for Manitoba’s mining sector.
Manitoba in the Spotlight
This year, Manitoba shone bright at PDAC with a series of exciting announcements:
- Exploration initiatives targeting Manitoba’s rich deposits of critical minerals like nickel, copper, and lithium took centre stage, signaling our province’s key role in fueling the renewable energy and tech industries.
- Strong provincial support reinforced Manitoba’s dedication to mineral exploration and its commitment to empowering Indigenous communities to thrive in resource development.
Key Takeaways for Manitoba
The insights we gained at PDAC were nothing short of transformative:
- Collaboration is everything! From tech providers to policymakers, working together is the key to tackling challenges and propelling innovation.
- Manitoba is strategically positioned to lead the global energy transition thanks to the skyrocketing demand for critical minerals.
- We need a stronger, unified presence. While Manitoba had a voice at PDAC, ramping up our investment attraction efforts and uniting all stakeholders—from MMDF grant recipients to industry leaders—will be critical to capturing global attention.
Looking Ahead
Returning from this exciting conference, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is more energized than ever to turn these insights into action. We’re committed to championing new partnerships, driving investment, and cementing Manitoba’s place as a global leader in mining and exploration. Together, we can unlock unparalleled opportunities and build a thriving, sustainable future for Manitoba!
